Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: Economic globalism, which involves greater interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, does not necessarily mean that socialist ideology will decline. Socialism can continue to influence political and economic systems even as globalism takes hold, since socialism is more focused on social ownership and equality, not just the structure of the global economy. Reason (R) is true: While socialism supports principles of Universalism and equity, its role in globalism is not central. Economic globalism often focuses on capitalist principles rather than socialist ideals. Thus, Reason (R) is true but does not explain Assertion (A).

Explanation

Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect: Protein analysis lacks the precision needed for identifying individual genetic relationships, as protein expression can be influenced by multiple factors. Chromosome counting determines the number of chromosomes but cannot identify specific genetic relationships. Quantitative analysis of DNA measures the quantity of DNA but does not provide the unique genetic markers necessary for establishing paternity.

Option (d) is correct: DNA fingerprinting is the most accurate and reliable technique to establish paternity. This method analyzes specific regions of the DNA that are highly variable among individuals, called short tandem repeats (STRs). A child inherits half of their DNA from the mother and the other half from the father, making DNA fingerprinting a powerful tool to match the genetic profiles of the child and the alleged parent.

Explanation

These revolts were often triggered by socio-economic oppression or resistance to administrative interference. The Moplah Revolt, also referred to as the Mappila Outbreaks, was a series of uprisings by the Mappila (Moplah) Muslim peasantry of Malabar (present-day Kerala). These uprisings were against the exploitation by Hindu landlords and the oppressive colonial state. The Pabna Peasant Uprising in Bengal, was led by peasants (ryots) against the oppressive zamindars. This revolt arose from economic distress and disputes over tenancy rights. The Eka (Unity) Movement emerged in Awadh (modern Uttar Pradesh) was a farmers’ rebellion against high rents, illegal levies, and the oppressive practices of landlords under British rule. The Birsa Munda Revolt was a significant tribal uprising in Bihar and the region now known as Jharkhand. The Munda community revolted against colonial policies and zamindari practices, which encroached upon their land and traditions.

Explanation

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, as noted in the Preamble, marking the completion of the drafting process. The X stands for this date in the Preamble. However, it came into effect on 26th January 1950, to honor the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when India resolved to seek complete independence. The Preamble reflects the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, while the Constitution’s official enforcement began on Republic Day.

Explanation

Ashokan pillar architecture is characterized by tall, monolithic stone columns with tapering shafts, polished surfaces, and inscriptions. Examples of some Ashokan Pillars are The Sarnath Pillar (UP), Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj (Bihar). Statement (a) is correct: Highly polished surfaces, which give them a smooth, lustrous finish. The pillars, made of sandstone, were polished so well that they shine even today. This smooth finish shows the advanced craftsmanship of the Mauryan period. Statement (b) is correct: Monolithic design, meaning each pillar was carved from a single block of stone.These pillars were carved from huge blocks of stone and transported to various locations across the Mauryan Empire. Statement (c) is correct: Tapering shafts, which narrow slightly towards the top, add to their elegance. Statement (d) is incorrect: Ashoka’s stone pillars were not generally parts of architectural structures like temples or gateways. Instead, they were freestanding monolithic columns, typically used for inscription and public proclamation. These pillars were placed at important sites to commemorate events, convey royal edicts, and spread Ashoka’s Dhamma (moral code).

Explanation

The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.

Option (a) is correct: The Maski Edict, found in Karnataka, is unique for explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s personal name. It confirms that the titles "Devanampiya" and "Piyadassi" refer to Emperor Ashoka.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Special Kalinga Edicts, issued by Ashoka for Kalinga highlights his shift from violence to Dhamma, promoting moral living and ethical governance.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Rummindei Edict (also known as the Lumbini Pillar Inscription) was discovered at Rummindei (present-day Lumbini in Nepal), which is recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini and his dedication to Buddhism.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Kalsi Edict, found in Uttarakhand, is the only Major Rock Edict in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma and moral governance but does not mention his personal name, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map. Fig.: Ashoka Empire, 250 BC Map

Explanation

The Gupta Empire (c. 320-550 CE) is celebrated as ancient India’s "Golden Age" for its advancements in art, literature, and science. The Chandelas (10th-12th centuries) flourished in Bundelkhand, renowned for their architectural masterpieces like Khajuraho. The Chalukyas (6th-12th centuries) dominated the Deccan region, while the Pallavas (6th-9th centuries) ruled parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, leaving a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.

Option (a) is correct: Key dynasties in ancient India were associated with specific centers of power: the Cholas ruled from Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram; the Pallavas from Kanchi and Panamalai; the Pandyas from Madurai. The Chalukyas governed from Badami (Vatapi), while the Later Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani. In the north, the Guptas were linked to Deogarh, and the Chandelas to Bundelkhand and Khajuraho.

Explanation

The Gupta Empire is known for its remarkable coinage that highlighted the artistry and cultural achievements of the period. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were known as "Rupaka." This term, "Rupaka," signifies a form or image, reflecting the Gupta Empire’s tradition of detailed and artistically crafted silver coinage.

Option (a) is correct: Rupaka specifically refers to the silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Karshapana was a type of coin used primarily in ancient India during the Mauryan Empire, composed of various metals, typically copper or silver, but not specifically linked to the Guptas’ silver coins.

Option (c) is incorrect: While the Gupta Empire did issue Dinara coins, these were gold coins rather than silver. The term Dinara was influenced by Roman coinage and mainly reflected wealth in gold, not silver.

Option (d) is incorrect: Pana was a unit of currency used in ancient India, including the Mauryan period, but it was not specific to the Gupta Empire’s silver coinage.

Explanation

A is matched with 3: Varahamihira authored Brihat-Samhita, a significant text in ancient Indian astronomy and astrology, reflecting the scientific knowledge of the Gupta period. He also wrote Panchasiddhantika. B is matched with 4: Vishakhadatta is the author of two major historical Sanskrit dramas:

Devi-Chandraguptam play which describes the love story of King Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) and Queen Dhruvadevi. Mudrarakshasa is about Chandragupta Maurya’s rise with the help of Chanakya. C is matched with 2: Sudraka is known for Mrichchhakatikam (The Little Clay Cart), a Sanskrit play that tells the story of the romance between Charudatta, a noble but impoverished merchant, and Vasantika, a courtesan. The central themes include love, sacrifice, and the struggles of social classes, with an emphasis on the tensions between the upper and lower classes. D is matched with 5: Bilhana authored Vikramankadeva-Charita, an epic poem which celebrates the achievements and virtues of King Vikramaditya VI, who ruled the Western Chalukya dynasty (also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas) from 1076 to 1126 CE.

Explanation

The Kharosthi script was an ancient script used in northwest India. It was used mainly in the Gandhara region and is associated with the Buddhist texts and inscriptions of that area. It was derived from the Aramaic script and written from right to left, distinguishing it from most other Indian scripts like Brahmi, which were written from left to right. Nandnagari and Sharada scripts both evolved from Brahmi and were written from left to right.